/ Appeal to find missing student to go out to football fans

Last updated on 23/1/2013 08:28:29 AM

The appeal to trace missing Souvik Pal will extend to football fans at Old Trafford this weekend.

Souvik, who is 19 and studies at Manchester Metropolitan University, was reported missing by a flatmate at about 5.30am on Tuesday 1 January 2013. He was last seen at the Warehouse Project, Trafford Wharf Road, at about 11pm on Monday 31 December 2012.

Manchester United have arranged for an appeal from Greater Manchester Police to be shown on pitchside digital advertising hoardings, in the build-up to their game against Liverpool on Sunday 13 January 2012.

The stadium announcer will also make reference to the appeal before the match.

Souvik, an undergraduate student at Manchester Metropolitan University, had trained for a part-time job serving refreshments during Manchester United games, and indeed worked at the game against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday 29 December 2012.

Detective Chief Inspector Colin Larkin said: "The police and the family of Souvik Pal are grateful to Manchester United for their support for this appeal.

"Souvik was last seen near the Warehouse Project, which is not far from Old Trafford. We hope that there could be someone among the crowd who may have some information that could help us.

"While our intensive enquiries are ongoing, including looking through hours of CCTV, there has sadly been little response from our appeals, so we urge anyone who may have information on his whereabouts to call us.

"We are continuing to offer support to Souvik's father here, and I am grateful to the Indian authorities, Manchester Metropolitan University and the Warehouse Project for their support.

"However, this is very difficult time for everyone involved, and our concern is only increasing the longer we don't find Souvik."

Souvik is Asian, 5ft 7in tall, of slim build. He is an international student from India and speaks with an Indian accent. He has a scar on the right side of his forehead.

When last seen he was wearing a pale denim long sleeve shirt with a collar, grey chino trousers, navy blue leather boots.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 4223 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.